8 min readPublished 15 January 2025
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) is one of the most important battery specifications, especially in the UK's cold climate. Understanding CCA ratings helps you choose a battery that will reliably start your engine, even on cold mornings.
This guide includes a comprehensive CCA chart by battery type and size, explains what CCA means, how to read CCA ratings, and helps you find the right CCA for your vehicle.
Quick Answer
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) measures a battery's ability to start an engine in cold weather. Higher CCA means better cold-start performance. Most UK vehicles need 400-800 CCA, with larger engines and diesel vehicles requiring 600-900+ CCA.
Common causes
- -Battery CCA too low for engine size
- -Cold weather reduces battery capacity
- -Diesel engines require higher CCA than petrol
Typical fixes
- -Match or exceed original battery CCA rating
- -Choose higher CCA for cold climates and diesel engines
- -Check vehicle specification for minimum CCA requirement
CCA Requirements at a Glance
Small petrol engine (1.0-1.6L)
Likely cause: Needs 400-500 CCA
Next step: Check battery size code (063, 027) for exact CCA
Medium petrol engine (1.6-2.5L)
Likely cause: Needs 500-650 CCA
Next step: Check battery size code (096, 075) for exact CCA
Large petrol or diesel engine (2.5L+)
Likely cause: Needs 650-900+ CCA
Next step: Check battery size code (100, 019) for exact CCA
Cold climate or frequent short journeys
Likely cause: Needs higher CCA (add 100-200 CCA)
Next step: Choose battery with CCA 100-200 above minimum
What Is CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)?
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) measures a battery's ability to deliver current to start an engine in cold conditions. Specifically, CCA is the number of amps a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F (-18°C) while maintaining at least 7.2 volts.
Higher CCA means better cold-start performance. In the UK's climate, CCA is crucial because cold weather reduces battery capacity and increases engine resistance, making starting more difficult.
- CCA measures starting power in cold conditions
- Tested at 0°F (-18°C) for 30 seconds
- Higher CCA = better cold-start performance
- Essential for UK winters and cold mornings
- Must match or exceed vehicle requirements
CCA Chart by Battery Size Code
This CCA chart shows typical CCA ranges by battery size code. Actual CCA varies by brand and battery type (AGM, EFB, standard).
- 063 Battery: 400-550 CCA (small vehicles, 1.0-1.6L engines)
- 027 Battery: 450-600 CCA (compact vehicles, 1.2-1.8L engines)
- 075 Battery: 500-650 CCA (mid-size vehicles, 1.6-2.0L engines)
- 096 Battery: 600-800 CCA (large vehicles, vans, 2.0L+ engines)
- 019 Battery: 700-900 CCA (luxury vehicles, large SUVs, 3.0L+ engines)
- 100 Battery: 800-950 CCA (commercial vehicles, large vans, 2.5L+ diesel)
- 110 Battery: 900-1000+ CCA (very large commercial vehicles, 3.0L+ diesel)
CCA by Battery Type
Different battery types (AGM, EFB, standard) have different CCA characteristics. AGM batteries typically offer higher CCA for the same size compared to standard batteries.
- AGM Batteries: Higher CCA per Ah capacity, excellent cold-start performance, ideal for Start/Stop systems
- EFB Batteries: Moderate CCA, better than standard, suitable for basic Start/Stop systems
- Standard Batteries: Lower CCA per Ah capacity, adequate for non-Start/Stop vehicles
- Premium brands (Varta, Bosch) often offer higher CCA than budget brands
- AGM batteries typically have 10-20% higher CCA than standard batteries of the same size
See also: Compare battery types
How to Read CCA Ratings
CCA ratings are displayed on battery labels and in specifications. Understanding how to read and compare CCA ratings helps you choose the right battery.
- CCA is displayed as a number followed by 'CCA' or 'A' (e.g., '650 CCA' or '650A')
- Higher number = more starting power
- Match or exceed your original battery's CCA rating
- Check vehicle handbook for minimum CCA requirement
- Add 100-200 CCA for cold climates or frequent short journeys
- Diesel engines typically need 100-200 CCA more than equivalent petrol engines
Cold-Start Thresholds
Understanding cold-start thresholds helps you choose a battery with sufficient CCA for reliable starting in UK winters.
- Minimum CCA: Vehicle's minimum requirement (check handbook)
- Recommended CCA: Minimum + 100-200 CCA for headroom
- Cold climate: Add 100-200 CCA above minimum
- Diesel engines: Add 100-200 CCA above petrol equivalent
- Short journeys: Add 100-200 CCA (battery may not fully charge)
- Start/Stop systems: AGM batteries with higher CCA recommended
See also: Cold weather starting guide
Choosing the Right CCA for Your Vehicle
Selecting the correct CCA rating ensures reliable starting in all conditions. Too low CCA causes starting problems, while too high CCA is unnecessary but harmless.
- Check your existing battery label for CCA rating
- Check vehicle handbook for minimum CCA requirement
- Use our Battery Fitment Tool to find exact CCA requirements
- Match or exceed original battery CCA (never go lower)
- Add 100-200 CCA for cold climates or diesel engines
- Higher CCA provides more headroom but costs slightly more
Common CCA Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common CCA mistakes ensures reliable starting and prevents battery problems.
- Don't choose CCA lower than original battery
- Don't ignore CCA when choosing battery size
- Don't assume all batteries of the same size have the same CCA
- Don't choose too low CCA for diesel engines or cold climates
- Always verify CCA rating matches vehicle requirements
AI-Friendly Summary
- CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) measures a battery's ability to start an engine in cold weather
- Most UK vehicles need 400-800 CCA, with larger engines and diesel vehicles requiring 600-900+ CCA
- AGM batteries typically offer 10-20% higher CCA than standard batteries of the same size
- Match or exceed your original battery's CCA rating - never go lower
- Add 100-200 CCA for cold climates, diesel engines, or frequent short journeys
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CCA on a car battery?
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) measures a battery's ability to deliver current to start an engine in cold conditions. Specifically, CCA is the number of amps a battery can deliver for 30 seconds at 0°F (-18°C) while maintaining at least 7.2 volts. Higher CCA means better cold-start performance.
What CCA do I need for my car?
Most UK vehicles need 400-800 CCA depending on engine size. Small petrol engines (1.0-1.6L) need 400-500 CCA, medium engines (1.6-2.5L) need 500-650 CCA, and large engines (2.5L+) need 650-900+ CCA. Diesel engines typically need 100-200 CCA more than equivalent petrol engines. Check your vehicle handbook or existing battery label for exact requirements.
Can I use a battery with higher CCA?
Yes, you can use a battery with higher CCA than required. Higher CCA provides more starting power and headroom, especially in cold weather. It's harmless and often beneficial. However, never use a battery with lower CCA than your vehicle requires, as this can cause starting problems.
What's the difference between CCA and Ah?
CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) measures starting power - how much current a battery can deliver to start an engine. Ah (Amp hours) measures capacity - how much energy a battery can store. Both are important: CCA for starting, Ah for running electrical systems when the engine is off. Higher CCA = better starting, higher Ah = longer runtime.
Do AGM batteries have higher CCA?
Yes, AGM batteries typically offer 10-20% higher CCA than standard batteries of the same size. This is because AGM technology allows for better current delivery. AGM batteries are ideal for Start/Stop systems and cold climates where higher CCA is beneficial.
